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The Kilkenny Trail – Goresbridge To Graiguenamanagh

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The Kilkenny Trail – Goresbridge to Graiguenamanagh

The canoe trail between Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh is probably the most beautiful, fun and interesting waterway anywhere to be found in Ireland. Starting in Goresbridge village at the 17th century 9 arch bridge this hidden waterway slowly winds its way south through lush countryside. You will find tall pine woodland bordering the river at points along the way, at other times the native oaks prevail. Once a navigation channel used by Guinness to deliver Ireland’s favorite tipple – now a quiet backwater occasionally navigated by a motorboat. Experience the start of the Barrow gorge but stick to the intimate parallel lateral canals that intersect along the way to avoid the whitewater rapids which will be of interest to the more experienced paddler.

What to Expect

If you would like to arrive an hour early the Goodly Barrow is located on the other side of the river from the meeting point in Goresbridge. This is a gorgeous Cafe and Museum full of fantastic stories and delicious meals. A great option to fuel up for your epic adventure.

Following this meet one of our team by the slip in Goresbridge and collect your equipment. We are happy to offer advice and answer any questions you may have about your adventure. This tour is suitable for beginners but recommended for people seeking adventure. Once you have all your safety gear on and belongings stored away in barrels you are ready to begin your adventure.

The waterway is kept at a navigable level by a series of 10 stunningly beautiful cascading weirs all of which can be shot by the brave when with a guide or avoided by cautious. At each weir, a parallel canal takes travelers around the rough water and continues with the smooth. There are charming old lock cottages at each canal lock – excellent places to stop off and enjoy a picnic or a wild swim.

On arrival in monastic Graignamanagh indulge yourself in one of the many riverside cafes or for something stronger enjoy a pint of locally crafted ale, stout or blonde beers or a shot of locally distilled whiskey. You should have time for homemade soup, a sandwich or lunch if you worked up a better appetite along the way. Take time to check out the local craft outlets – Duiske Crystal, local weavers, Artisan food producers and also visit some of the historic sites – the restored Duiske Abbey and the lovely quayside lined with boats of all description.

If you’re staying or passing through Graiguenamanagh and have some free time check out the new sauna in town – The Hot Box Sauna. Pre Booking online is essential.
What We Provide
- Canoe
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Jacket
- Helmet
- Barrels
- Optional Extra: River Barrow Guide Book €25
What to Bring
- Spare warm suitable clothes
- Light rain jacket
- Food and water
- Throw rope
- Knife
- Mobile phone and waterproof case
- Whistle
- First aid kit
- Repair Kit which should include duct tape and multi tool (at a minimum)
- Dry Bag or other method of keeping electronic equipment dry
Important Information

Please select one ticket per person attending. Selection per person indicates a canoe or kayak seat. Canoes have two seats per boat, kayaks have one seat per boat.

Taxi back to Goresbridge available all day but prior booking is recommended.(Not Included) Otherwise you could do a car transfer with other members of your group leaving a car at the finish point before setting off on your adventure.

Insurance We do not provide any form of insurance with our canoe hire service. We therefore highly recommend that you take out a travel or holiday insurance policy that will cover canoeing activity up to level / grade 2 water. It is also recommended that if you are bringing along electronic items that you have them insured and that you have provided waterproof storage for each.

It is a condition of hire that you will not attempt to shoot or go down any weirs while still in the canoe. This activity is dangerous and could very easily lead to injury or loss or damage to property.

There is a flat-water navigation channel running the entire length of the waterway which avoids all weirs and rapids.

Heavy Lifting Please note you will have to lift the canoes out of the water when you get to the Locks. PLEASE never drag our canoes as they are easily damaged. There are a total of 6 locks between Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh.

Buoyancy jackets are provided for each individual and by law you are required to wear them at all times while canoeing. Helmets are also provided.

Canoes will be picked up from Graiguenamanagh after finishing there. However, you may be asked to secure them until we can get there or leave them in storage.

Anyone finishing in Graiguenamanagh will either do a car transfer with other members of your group or get a taxi back. (Taxi not included)

Participants must be able to swim. It is unlikely the canoe will capsize on this flat water tour but may still happen. This is an adventure.

There is some parking available but please arrive early to get parking. This is a public area where vehicles are parked at owners’ risk.

Children must be at least 7 years of age and comfortable in the water.

Dogs are welcome on this tour, however, only small dogs are recommended. We do not provide any additional equipment or supplies for dogs. Please bring your own buoyancy jacket for them.

On average this trip takes approximately 5 hours. The canoe is available to you for 7 hours.

Our equipment has a maximum capacity of 130KG per person.

Trip Details

Duration:	5-6hrs
Price:	Adult From €55 Child From €39
Age:	12+
Available:	April to October
Distance:	13km
Location:	Start: The Quay, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny View Map Finish: The Steps at the Rowing Club, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny View Map

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Get a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

Testimonials

What People Are Saying About Us!

Stag day out with the lads

We had an unforgettable stag party with Go With The Flow. Our group had a mix of kayaks and open canoes, which were perfect for our mix of abilities. Our guide Charlie and his friendly dog pal kept us entertained all morning with tonnes of interesting information about the history of the area and reassurance for those who were a bit nervous of the bumpier parts of the river!
Overall, it was a fantastic activity, filled with good fun and lots of laughs. I would definitely recommend Go With The Flow to anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable experience

James O'Hagan

A super day trip

We were a large group of family and friends and had a super day on the river with the guys. Floating down the rapids was the best part. We all definitely want to do it again, even make it a regular event. I couldn’t recommend it more highly. The guys were really accommodating too as some people were late and were in a hurry, but they made it work for all of us. We won’t forget it. Thanks so much.

Sybil E

Team building day

We were a group of three self-guided Australians and visited May 2024. We hired one canoe, which 2 of us paddled, and 1 kayak. The weather was great, with sun shine for the entire 4 hours. We were met promptly and the vessels are kept in good order. We were given a ‘barrel’ to store our phones and dry clothes etc. We were able to contact the organisers during the paddle when we needed. Make sure you understand the transport arrangements as it is left to you to get yourself to the launch spot and back to town from where you emerge after the paddle. Some locks require some strength to navigate and the route around them is not always easy to locate. It can depend on seasonal conditions. This paddle was a highlight of our trip. It really is gorgeous, safe and fun! The river signs will always steer you safely around any rapids if you choose not to take them on! Thank you for this family run local business!

Deb Carr

Stag gathering

Great day out, shook the cobwebs off!! Charlie and the lads were brilliant. They were so sound I thought they were actually part of the stag!! Def coming back here next chance I get. Lovely surroundings, good equipment and dead sound instructors. What more would ya want?

Conor H

Brilliant fun on the Barrow

There’s a first time for everything and we thoroughly enjoyed making a splash kayaking on the River Barrow, Co. Carlow with our new four legged friend Bloom (the doggo) 🐾
Big thanks to our kayak instructor Rachel and the team at Go With The Flow for an amazing experience! Super activity if you’re travelling on your own or in a group 💚
We recommend you bring at least a spare pair of shoes and extra clothes (you can get changed in the dressing rooms at the start).

BEST OF IRELAND

Stag Day out !!! Amazing Experience Canoeing

We went for a canoeing outing for my friends STAG had a great time on the river , an amazing trip with beautiful scenery and we were lucky to have amazing weather. All gear provided, facilities for changing and showering were superb.Charlie is a amazing instructor and made us feel confident even though we hadn’t tried canoeing before. The instructions provided were clear and easy to follow .
We had such a great time going down weirs in the canoe and getting to swim down the rapids and there wasn’t a dull moment.
We loved every second of it.

I would highly recommend Go With The Flow – River Adventures .
Thanks Charlie we had a fantastic day!!!

Abhayaiya

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What can I expect when I get there?

Depending on the tour you have booked but usually we meet up by the river and after a brief introductory chat we get changed into our wetsuits. This is followed by a demonstration and safety talk and then for a further 15 minutes or so we will bring you through the basic strokes in an area of calm, sheltered, flat water. After that the real adventure begins.
What do I need to bring with me?
Depending on the tour you are going on, the duration of our trip and the forecasted weather conditions below are some recommendations for packing:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Old Runners that will get wet (Not flip flops or crocs etc.)
- Water
- Snacks
- Suncream (Fingers crossed)
- Full change of clothing
- Light rain coat
- First aid kit
- Dry Bag
- Extra layers such as a warm hat and fleece if it’s cold. – Avoid Cotton
- Personal toiletries
- Wetsuit
- Throw rope
- Knife
- Waterproof phone case
- Whistle
- Camping equipment
- Repair Kit
How long will the trip take?

Our trips vary from Half Day – 2.5 to 3 hours to Full Day – 5 to 6 hours or Multi Day Canoe Holidays.
What happens if it’s raining?

We go out on the water even in the rain. You will more than likely be getting wet on your adventure anyways. You should consider bringing an extra layer or a waterproof or windproof jacket with you.
Do I need a wetsuit?

No. We provide wetsuits for participants on our Guided White Water Adventures but if you do have your own feel free to use it. If you don’t want to wear a wetsuit you can wear suitable sporting clothing (avoid cotton) so a change of clothes is necessary, in this instance. You must be prepared for the fact that you may get wet.